ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 17 June 1932, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

“WICKED” REGENT SATURDAY

“CARNIVAL” MAJESTIC TO-NIGHT The British production “Carnival” which features the celebrated English actor Matheson Lang screens for the last time at the Majestic Theatre to-night. “COMMON LAW” SATURDAY “The Common Law,” starring Constance Bennett in a vivid, realistic drama with excellent entertainment value commences on Saturday at the Majestic Theatre. It is an ideal story for Miss Bennett, giving her splendid opportunities to 'display her histrionic talents, her charm, and her ability to wear clothes smartly. There are many tense moments in the picture which Miss Bennett handles skilfully. In fact, throughout the play she gives a fine performance. “The Common Law” was adapted from Robert W. Chambers’ famous book by John Harrow. While the story lias been modernised, it still retains the vital situations of the original novel. Constance Bennett plays the role of the artists’ model who believes that- conveutionsi should not interfere with love. Joel McCrea does excellent work in the role of the conservative artist who is in love with Miss Bennett. Lew Codv and Hcdda Hopper give their usual intelligent performances. One of the outstanding scenes of the picture is the reproduction of the famous Parisian “Four Arts Ball” which the art colony of Paris holds yearly. Paul 'L. Stein did splendid work in directing the picture.

Those who favour stark human drama in their picture fare will be highly pleased with the Fox production, “Wicked,” coming on Saturday to the Regent- Theatre. “Wicked” brings to the screen for her third starring role the beautiful young English actress Elissa. Landi and she has eclipsed her former sensational dramatic work. As a young wife, widowed on her honeymoon through the deatli of her husband from a bullet fired by a detective from whom he was lleeing, disillusioned when she learns the husband she adored was a bank robber instead of a bank clerk, sent (o prison as an accomplice and while in prison allowed to leave for a hospital outside of prison walls that her baby may be born without the stigma- of a prison—-Miss Landi lias full play for the exceptional dramatic powers she possesses. Victor McLaglen gives a fine portrayal also as the tried and true friend who sticks to her through it all and Director Allan Dwan has given the finest dramatic effort of lii.s long and successful career. Others who contribute tine performances include Theodore Voii Eltz as the young husband; Una Merkel as a little Southern girl; Allan Dineliart as a detective and Mae Busch, Eileen Percy, and Alice Lake.